King, Queen express deepest condolences over passing of Queen Elizabeth II

In a statement issued via Istana Negara's Facebook page, the King and Queen said Her Majesty will be remembered by their Majesties, the government and the people of Malaysia for her unwavering commitment to the Commonwealth of which Malaysia is a proud member and her efforts to promote stronger ties between the United Kingdom and Malaysia.

"Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will also be remembered for her dedication to the people and the government of the United Kingdom as well as for her deep concern for the welfare and well-being of the people.

"Their Majesties' thoughts are with the bereaved members of the royal family and the British people in this moment of sadness and sorrow as they come together to mourn the loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. May God bless Her Majesty's soul," the statement said.

Reminiscing on the memories of meeting Her Majesty, their Majesties had the pleasure of paying a courtesy visit and attending a luncheon with Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace, London on Dec 13, 2019.

The courtesy visit and the luncheon were in conjunction with their Majesties' seven-day special visit to England, which ended on Dec 9, 2019.

Queen Elizabeth II, during her reign, visited Malaysia three times in 1972 (Special Visit), 1989 (11th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting) and 1998 (16th Commonwealth Games).

Earlier, it was reported that Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's longest-serving monarch, died at the age of 96, at Balmoral Castle in Scotland yesterday.

Meanwhile, in an event this afternoon, Al-Sultan Abdullah recalled his memories with Queen Elizabeth II.

"I dwell my memories with Her (Majesty) during my polo days in England way back as early as the 70s or 80s...when I was studying there. We had a brief chat those days including with the new King, King Charles III.

"His Majesty played in my team, the Royal Pahang in 1976, at the Guards Polo Club (England)," said the King after a book launching event held closed door here.

Al-Sultan Abdullah also recalled his last meeting with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II during a luncheon at Buckingham Palace in 2019.

"It was a very good, nice lunch. I remember her wittiness. She remembered coming to Malaysia and all that...(she was) very fond of Malaysia. It was a very personal and pleasant (moment) and we shall miss (her)," said His Majesty.

Al-Sultan Abdullah said people would always remember Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning monarch in British history.

"(Her Majesty) was a great Queen and great mother to England and the United Kingdom. It is very sad and very shocking for all of us.

"We express sympathy to His Majesty King Charles III and the royal family (of Britain) as well as the people of the United Kingdom. We hope under the new reign, England and the United Kingdom will continue to prosper in the future," said Al-Sultan Abdullah.